Abstract
Classification of sandstones, greywackes, pelites, limestones, dolomites, and acid-igneous and basicigneous rocks, using a literature sample of 183 post-1920 analyses for the 11 major oxides has achieved an 80-percent success rate. The method is based on nonparametric estimation of a probability density function for each category to be classified, using the Bayes decision rule. The method is suitable for use with small training sets and gives much improved results over a linear discriminant function. Classification following data compression using principal components also has given satisfactory recognition rates.
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Howarth, R.J. An empirical discriminant method applied to sedimentary-rock classification from major-element geochemistry. Mathematical Geology 3, 51–60 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02047432
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02047432